The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1887-01-22
Grand Jury Renort for the December

Grand Jury Report for the December
Term.-The Grand Jury for the December term
adjourned on the 14th inst. and submitted the fol-
lowing report to Courts
To the Honorable the Judges Of the Circuit Court
for Baltimore county, December Term:
The Grand Jury for the present term beg leave
to submit their report as follows:
We have been in session "a days, docketed Il4
cases, examined 205 witnesses, found SO present.
ments and So true bills, dismissed 81 cases and re-
leased from Jail Is prisoners
We heartily endorse the recommendations OF the
last Grand Jury in regard to the many open vio-
lations of the Sunday law, and would again urge
the authorities to that the police force exercise
more vigilance towards its support under penalty
of dismissal from the service. We also suggest
that the police be prohibited from visiting saloons
while on duty, except for the purpose of maxim
arrests or suppressing disorder. y
We also desire to call the attention of some of
the magistrates to that part of the report of the
last Grand Jury in reference to carelessness in
making up recognzances, and trust that they may
profit by being again reminded of their duty in
that respect.
From a careful examination of licenses, as re-
ported by the constables, we have reason to be-
lieve that very many avail themselves of the low
priced ordinary, when they have not the necessary
accommodations for man and beast as required by
law, thereby perjuring themselves and robbing the
State Of large amount. Wetherefore recommend
that the proper authorities instruct the constables
to carefully inspect the premises at the time of
examining the respective licenses, and to see that
the law has been fully complied with, and inform
the Grand Jury of any violation in that respect
The poverty of our citizens, owing to business
depression and low prices of all farm products, de-
mand from our authorities the strictest economy
in administering and disbursing the finances
The large amount of new property added yearly
to the assessable basis would seem to justify the
belief that taxes should not increase, but instead
they grow slowly and surely year by year, and if
not checked will finally rival those of our neigh
boring city. We know by sad experience that the
best enforcer of economy is slim purse to draw
from. we therefore advise the County Commits
sioners not to anticipate the increase in expenses
by levying so large an excess over the previous
year, but check extravaganza in every form by
cutting down extraordinary charges by putting
allowing only such extra work as the public neces-
stiles may demand and not to allow one dollar to
be drawn from the treasury except for purposes
strictly legitimate. They always provide con-
tingent fund to cover unavoidable deficiencies and
the taxpayers would prefer any surplus to remain
in their own hands rather than in the public treas.
ury to tempt the scores of hungry aspirants. We
believe a large amount could be annually saved
in almost every department by conforming to
business principles and by exercising such econo-
my as prudent individual would use in the man
agement of his private estate. We know of no
law by which the county should be made to pay
more for services rendered than private indi-
vidual would for the same. We are we'll aware
that our State Legislature is largely responsible
for the increase of taxes, and we call upon our
future legislators to have mercy upon people al
ready over burdened.
In referring to the report of the committee ap-
pointed to visit the alms-house and which is given
below, we would beg to state that their recommen-
dation to enlarge the building for the separate &C.
commodaon of the insane, refers not only to those
in the aims house, but also to those for whom
the county now pays board in other institutions.
For instance we find that for 1885, which is fair
average year, the county paid in the neighborhood
of SS666.66 for Sc insane persons in the Maryland
Hospital and Mount Hope, about $3.50 per capita,
when, by keeping them in our county alms-house,
if the necessary room was provided, at S120 per
head, the actual cost for that year, the county
would save oaoh yoar 81 $50, loss tho board and
pay of one additional Waterman for that purpose.
The expense of keeping our paupers has been a
subject of comment for many years, and while we
do not wish to attach blame unjustly to any one
concerned, yet comparison with the results of
Bay lew is not favorable to US. Baltimore city,
with 60 acres of land and average of about
1000 paupers, expends annually $4,000, about
$40 per capita Baltimore county, with an aver
$4,000, an expense of Sl20p per capita. We there
fore recommend that the strctest economy be used
in conducting the institution, and suggest that the
keeper be required to keep an accurate account of
all products of the farm, whether sold used for
the maintenance of the inmates, and report the
same monthly to the County Commissioners.
We also give below the respective reports of the
jail committee and that appointed to examine the
books of the County Commissioners and Treasurer.
We would suggest that it is unbecoming in all
county employees, and especially the police force
and members of the fire department, to take so
conspicuous part in the interest of any faction
or party at either primary meetings or general
elections, except in the lawful discharge of their
duty.
We are creditably informed that it is the duty
of the Register of Wills, under penalty, to make
returns to the County Commissioners of all assess.
able property that may come to his knowledge
through inventories, &C., filed by executors and
administrators, and NO dcprecato the Pra~-<-@-<
allowing assessors, notably of stocks, in
filching the said returns from the books of the
Register and of their being paid commission
thereon, when this commission might be saved by
allowing all returns to be made by the regular
method already provided by law.
We are also of the opinion that our County Com
missioners would be fully justified in depositing
the funds of the county in the Towson National
Bank, provided the necessary security were offer
ed on the ground that it would be encouraging
and fostering home enterprise.
In thanking your Honor for your patience in
kindly giving US advice aud explanations, we in
cude the States Attorney and all the other officers
always appreciate and remember all efforts in oul
behalf. All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEO. H. MERRYMAN, Foreman.